- posted: Nov. 15, 2025
- Family Law
Even in the best of times, the holidays can present challenges to families. Buying presents, attending seasonal events and dealing with numerous other responsibilities can make it hard to enjoy seasonal celebrations. If you’re divorced with children or are going through a marital breakup, it might not feel like the most wonderful time of the year.
Parenting plans should address holiday custody and visitation arrangements in detail. However, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s are often full of surprises, so flexibility is also important. Some tips that might make the holidays easier for the children of divorced or divorcing parents include the following:
Review the parenting plan in advance — Mothers and fathers must adhere to the terms of their custody order, but there are situations where a parenting plan that has been in place for a while might require some revisions. Perhaps a son or daughter has become an avid skier in the few years since the holiday arrangements were set, and one parent might want to take them to a mountain during the school vacation. Well before the holiday season starts, mothers and fathers should review the existing arrangements, negotiate appropriate changes and put them in writing.
Focus on safety and stability — The holiday season is also when winter weather conditions start to play havoc with travel. Understand that a snowstorm might make it unsafe to meet a particular date in the schedule. Allow for potential delays and do what you can to maintain family traditions, even if that means moving a gathering up or back a day from when it usually takes place.
Keep communications on target — Family celebrations frequently stir up a lot of emotions, positive and negative. Alcoholic beverages served at parties and dinners can also lead to some unguarded comments. Stay in control and refrain from rehashing the events that led to your divorce, especially when your children are in earshot. If you need to speak with your ex about issues such as coordinating gifts and budgets, don’t let the conversation become contentious.
Children benefit from predictability, low conflict and time with both parents. A well-crafted holiday plan—and disciplined follow-through—can make the season calmer for everyone. Of course, divorces and custody disputes don’t always arise at a convenient time on the calendar.
If you require assistance with a New Jersey family law concern, reach out to Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law. We handle divorces, custody and visitation conflicts, child support matters and other issues. Please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. Our office is in Toms River and we offer free consultations to new clients.
- posted: Nov. 15, 2025
- Family Law
Even in the best of times, the holidays can present challenges to families. Buying presents, attending seasonal events and dealing with numerous other responsibilities can make it hard to enjoy seasonal celebrations. If you’re divorced with children or are going through a marital breakup, it might not feel like the most wonderful time of the year.
Parenting plans should address holiday custody and visitation arrangements in detail. However, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s are often full of surprises, so flexibility is also important. Some tips that might make the holidays easier for the children of divorced or divorcing parents include the following:
Review the parenting plan in advance — Mothers and fathers must adhere to the terms of their custody order, but there are situations where a parenting plan that has been in place for a while might require some revisions. Perhaps a son or daughter has become an avid skier in the few years since the holiday arrangements were set, and one parent might want to take them to a mountain during the school vacation. Well before the holiday season starts, mothers and fathers should review the existing arrangements, negotiate appropriate changes and put them in writing.
Focus on safety and stability — The holiday season is also when winter weather conditions start to play havoc with travel. Understand that a snowstorm might make it unsafe to meet a particular date in the schedule. Allow for potential delays and do what you can to maintain family traditions, even if that means moving a gathering up or back a day from when it usually takes place.
Keep communications on target — Family celebrations frequently stir up a lot of emotions, positive and negative. Alcoholic beverages served at parties and dinners can also lead to some unguarded comments. Stay in control and refrain from rehashing the events that led to your divorce, especially when your children are in earshot. If you need to speak with your ex about issues such as coordinating gifts and budgets, don’t let the conversation become contentious.
Children benefit from predictability, low conflict and time with both parents. A well-crafted holiday plan—and disciplined follow-through—can make the season calmer for everyone. Of course, divorces and custody disputes don’t always arise at a convenient time on the calendar.
If you require assistance with a New Jersey family law concern, reach out to Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law. We handle divorces, custody and visitation conflicts, child support matters and other issues. Please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. Our office is in Toms River and we offer free consultations to new clients.
